In tonight’s Eastern Conference rematch, the Milwaukee Bucks (23-13) are facing off versus the Orlando Magic (7-28) at Amway Center. Will the Magic sneak away with their first head-to-head victory versus the Bucks since Feb. 9, 2019?
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic news
Heading into Thursday night’s intraconference mismatch, the Bucks are 16-20 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA regular season, while the Magic are 15-20 against the spread. The tip-off time for this contest is 7 p.m. ET. The game will air live via Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Wisconsin and NBA League Pass. Per Land of Basketball’s database, based on 120 head-to-head regular season games played all-time between these two teams, Milwaukee is 67-53 versus Orlando. To add to these all-time records, in the previous 10 meetings, the Bucks are a perfect 10-0 against them.
As stated above, the Magic have not defeated the Bucks since Feb. 9, 2019, when they won 103-83 at Fiserv Forum. This season, Milwaukee is 3-0 versus Orlando, with the Bucks last winning 127-110 over them at Amway Center on Tuesday. In other news, due to COVID-19 affecting rosters across the NBA, the league office is allowing teams to sign players via 10-day hardship contracts. The Magic are the latest team to add another player; they signed Gabe York. In the G League, he is averaging 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in the current 2021-22 season.
Looks like the #Bucks will see another new face… https://t.co/xYNxOWEx43
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) December 29, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic betting lines and odds
Sportsbook: BetOnline
Over/Under: 217
Point spread: Bucks -14 (-110)
Best moneyline: Bucks -1200, Magic +750
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic injury report
Bucks: C Brook Lopez (out indefinitely)
Magic: C Robin Lopez (out) | SG E’Twaun Moore (out indefinitely) | SG Terrence Ross (out) | SG Michael Carter-Williams (out indefinitely) | PF Jonathan Isaac (out indefinitely) | PG Markelle Fultz (out indefinitely) | C Mo Bamba (out) | PF Chuma Okeke (out) | PG Hassani Gravett (out) | PG Mychal Mulder (out) | PG Cole Anthony (out) | PG Jalen Suggs (out indefinitely)
Following tonight’s game vs Milwaukee, @OrlandoMagic guard Hassani Gravett has entered NBA Health and Safety Protocols.
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) December 29, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic preview
Moreover, in the Bucks’ 127-110 road win over the Magic on Tuesday, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a team-high 28 points in 30 minutes played. Forward Khris Middleton also closed out his performance with 21 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 31 minutes of action. In the second quarter, the Bucks outscored the Magic 40 to 21.
While Milwaukee allowed 50 points in the free throw lane, the team had an excellent showing offensively. They shot 47-for-85 (55.3%) from the field and 17-for-37 (45.9%) from three-point range. Including this win, the Bucks have won four consecutive games. They are now 11-8 away, 12-5 at home and 10-9 ATS on the road. The team ranks third in the Eastern Conference.
Referencing ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Bucks have a 74.1% probability of winning.
As for the Magic, in their 17-point loss versus the Bucks, rookie forward Franz Wagner scored a season-high 38 points in 38 minutes spent on the court. Wagner’s 38 points leads all other rookies in single-game scoring this season. Forward Wendell Carter Jr. added one more double-double to his career total as well, amassing 19 points, 10 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 33 minutes played.
Aside from missing plenty of their shots, the Magic committed a total of 25 personal fouls. On top of a nonexistent defense, that ultimately led to the team’s 12th loss at home this season. After this defeat, Orlando is now 2-12 at home, 5-16 away and 3-11 ATS at home. They rank 14th overall in the conference.
Projected starting lineup
Bucks: PG Jrue Holiday | SG Grayson Allen | SF Khris Middleton | PF Giannis Antetokounmpo | C DeMarcus Cousins
Magic: PG Gary Harris | SG Tim Frazier | SF Franz Wagner | PF Admiral Schofield | C Wendell Carter Jr.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic prediction
Additionally, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference mismatch is set at 217. Referring to the spread consensus, 73% of gamblers are predicting the Bucks will cover the spread at Amway Center. According to the point total consensus, 61% of bettors are expecting the total will go under 217. As of yet, Milwaukee is 21-6 as a favorite, 2-7 as an underdog and 10-9 ATS away, whereas Orlando is 0-0 as a favorite, 7-28 as an underdog and 3-11 ATS at home.
For crucial betting trends, the Bucks are 4-1 straight up in their previous five performances. They are also 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games versus the Magic. Next, Milwaukee is 10-0 SU in the team’s past 10 head-to-head matches against Orlando. Plus, the Bucks are 7-0 ATS in their previous seven contests at Amway Center. Finally, the total has gone over in four of their last six matches versus Southeast Division opponents.
On the other side, the Magic are 3-17 SU in their past 20 performances. And, the total has gone under in six of their last 10 contests. Also, the total has gone under in five of Orlando’s previous seven games versus Milwaukee. Next, the total has gone under in nine of their past 11 contests against Eastern Conference opponents. All things considered, the Bucks are the obvious pick. They will win, but the Magic will cover the spread. If you want to quickly review the basics of sports betting, check out our handicap betting guide.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic betting pick
Pick the Bucks to win, the Magic will cover the spread and the total will go under 217. Milwaukee is a 14-point favorite on the road with BetOnline.
All betting lines were retrieved from BetOnline. Click below to claim a free bet, if you’re a new customer.
